It may not show in the 1-5-1 record, but the Austin High boys’ soccer team is playing better of late.

Friday, September 17, 1999

It may not show in the 1-5-1 record, but the Austin High boys’ soccer team is playing better of late. The Packers’ 2-1 overtime loss at Albert Lea was their third straight defeat by one goal.

Albert Lea jumped early on a penalty kick. Austin tied the game up on a goal by Mike Inthisane late in the first half.

Inthisane scored his team-leading fourth goal on a shot from about 30 yards out.

"He put it in the upper left corner just out the goalie’s reach," Austin coach David Graham said of the goal. "He couldn’t have placed it any better."

Graham, who is in his fourth year as head coach, had high praise for the freshman right midfielder.

"He’s been a great player," Graham said. "He’s very polite. He works his butt off and that’s great to see out of a kid his age."

Albert Lea won the game on a breakaway goal with about three minutes left in overtime.

Despite playing close games, but with almost nothing to show for it, Graham said he saw positives in Thursday’s game.

"Shane (Peterson) played outstanding again," he said. "Erin Heimer was solid at sweeper as usual."

Albert Lea played a man down after one its players received a red card early into the game. Austin’ Drew Osterle, who has already missed a game because of red card in the season opener, received two yellow cards or the equivalent of a red card. Austin was able to remain at full strength, but Osterle and the Albert Lea player will miss their team’s next game.

"It was weird," Graham said of the wavering referee. "You didn’t know what he was going to call. I couldn’t figure that guy out. I’m not saying he was favoring Albert Lea. He did it to both teams. One minute he was calling everything and then the next he would let everything go."

Graham refused to use the inconsistent officiating as an excuse for the Packers, giving credit to the Tigers, who played a man down after one of their players was given a red card and kicked out of the game.

"They were dominant even with a man down," Graham said. "They just fought and fought and fought until they won."

Austin will face Rochester John Marshall on Tuesday at Wescott Field.